Palace v Middlesbrough

Selhurst Park, Saturday 3.00pm

Action

Team news

Crystal Palace defender Paddy McCarthy is still out with a shoulder injury suffered recently in training.

Striker Freddie Sears could start after recovering from a recent groin injury, coming off the bench to win a penalty against QPR in midweek.

Middlesbrough midfielder Isaiah Osbourne will make his debut after clinching a loan move from Aston Villa. Defender Chris Riggott is still sidelined.

Quotes

Neil Warnock

"We don't chip in with enough from midfield and centre-half - I dont think a centre-half has scored this year yet - but we'll have to do that because we haven't got a 20-goal-a-season man or a 25-goals man.

"A manager can only ask his team to give everything and they do give everything. That's why I enjoy the group of players we've got.

"I would like to have a couple more players but I think every manager is like that. If I spent it I'd probably chuck it away so I might be better off with nothing."

Gordon Strachan

"I don't think I've ever been compared to Neil Warnock. That's a first for me and I've been in the game for 37 years, so that's a new one. I'd need a little bit of time to think about that - maybe about 15 years till I retire!

"It's important to get a result because our home form is not so great, and I can see why after watching the game on Saturday. We're creating a lot of chances but not finishing them. The support you get, especially from the away fans, is very important."

Middlesbrough - league stats

Full league table

Middlesbrough - current form

Full form table

Ref watch

J J Linnington

Last meeting

Palace 1-0 Middlesbrough

Saturday November 07 2009

Palace: Speroni, Hill, Butterfield, Davis, Fonte, Ertl, Ambrose, Derry, Danns (Carle, 81), Lee, Sears (N'Diaye, 88)

Subs not used: John, Moses, Scannell, Djilali, Clyne

Goals: Ambrose 65

Bookings: Butterfield

Middlesbrough: Jones, St. Ledger, Hoyte (Arca, 69), Wheater, Grounds, Williams, Adam Johnson, Osbourne, O'Neil, Lita (Franks, 77), Bent

Subs not used: Yeates, Coyne, McMahon, Emnes, Bennett

Bookings: Osbourne

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